~Him~

Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

~~~~

As the thunder flashed, he gave a sigh and pulled over. He looked at his watch again and realized it was way past his son's bedtime. The last ride had taken longer than usual and from the looks of it, the rain wasn't stopping anytime soon. He decided to spend the night in the car as it would be foolish to drive in this weather. He fished out the mobile from his pocket to inform his wife about the situation but to his dismay, the phone refused to get powered on. He cursed himself for forgetting to charge the phone again. He had rung her up an hour back and mentioned that he would be late because of the rain and had asked her to shut the door as he had the spare key. He knew she was all capable of locking the doors, protecting herself and their son and that their neighborhood was a very safe place yet... yet he felt sad that he couldn't get home on time. He took out his purse and opened it. A smile made its way to his mouth as he saw the picture of his little son smiling back at him. His son... His Abhir... He was the apple of his eye. He was only 2 yet he had him wrapped around his tiny little finger. He pushed back his seat a little and shut his eyes muttering a prayer of gratitude for bringing him into his life. His life had never been easy and many a time fighting battles all alone, he had become more sensitive to the pain of people around him. Sometimes, when he had fallen flat kind strangers had helped him get back to his feet... Strangers whom he considered as angels. He had always wanted to become an angel in someone's life too, just like them. That day, when he saw her helpless, his heart had bled for her and he had jumped in to help her. Little did he know that one deed would lead to him meeting this precious gem he now called his son. The minute he held him in his arms, he felt his heart beat fast and as he opened his tiny little eyes and looked at him, he had fallen deeply in love with him. When his mother asked him to be the father, he had agreed without any hesitation. His life has changed a lot since then. Everyday started and ended with his son. He had often prayed before for time to run fast so that he wouldn't have to feel lonely for long and that his sufferings would pass quickly but now everytime he looked at his son, he wished time would stop still just so he can see him grow. His first laugh, his first word, his first step... he wished he could freeze the memories forever. A loud clap of thunder was heard and his thoughts moved to Abhir's mother. A few days back, there had been a storm just like this one. Only difference was that he was home at that time with his wife and son. 

Abhir had woken up from his sleep the minute thunder sounded and had screamed a lot. After trying multiple times to put him back to sleep, they had taken turns to carry him and walk around. After what seemed like ages, Abhir was finally asleep and he had put him to bed. He turned around to see his wife standing and looking intently at him. He had raised his eyebrow.

"What is it?"

"You are a good man. I am so sorry."

"Sorry?"

"Sorry that because of me you lost the chance of having a real home. A home with love in it."

Before he could say anything, she had left. He clicked his tongue as the memory flashed now before his eyes. It was true that he hadn't helped her because he loved her. It was only because he felt sorry for her. He had never thought about love or being in love. He had always thought it wasn't for him. Being alone all his life, he had never even dreamed of having a family. But then she had come and given him Abhir... And they had started to live as a family. Not as a couple with a kid but as parents. Though it was awkward at first as neither of them actually had thought of marriage, they had settled in comfortably after sometime. From him asking as soon as he got back from work 'Has Abhir eaten?' to 'Has Abhir eaten... Did you have something to eat yet?' and her responding 'Yes' to 'Yes... what would you like to eat today?'. From putting Abhir to bed and silently going to bed themselves to staying awake a little longer and sharing the days events, their lives had changed for the better. He, who had never had anyone to share his thoughts with found this change inviting. Slowly with time, he had gotten used to her little habits and she had gotten more and more relaxed. From nodding slightly in negative when she saw his wet towel on the bathroom door to screaming at him for not drying the towel in the sun two days back, they had come a long way. As her scrunched up nose and angry face flashed in front of his eyes, he chuckled. She was so cute. His eyes snapped open as the thought struck him. All of a sudden, he felt a strange urge to see her. He pulled up his seat and looked out, the rain seemed to have mellowed down a bit. Quickly igniting the engine, he drove as fast as he can. As he reached the gate, he saw that the living was lighted up. Just as he took his umbrella and got down to open the gate, the main door opened and out stepped Akshara. Dressed in a loose night dress and hair in a messy bun, she looked up at him and gestured that she would come and open the gate. Any other day, he would have simply turned around and sat in the car, getting ready to park it inside but today he didn't feel like moving. He stood there as if rooted to the ground, his eyes fixed on her as she opened her umbrella and walked towards him. She was devoid of makeup and jewelry just like she always was before going to bed.  The soft tendrils of hair caressing her face in rhythm with the wind, made his heart flutter. She had grumbled to him only last week about how bad she felt when their newly married neighbor Priya had commented on the dark circles under her eyes and had regretted not taking care of herself. A flash of lightning split the sky lighting up her face for a moment and he realized she looked ethereal inspite of the much detested dark circles. He wondered if he would ever be able to say it to her.

"What happened to your phone?"

"Sorry, it got switched off... I forgot to charge... You didn't sleep yet?

"How could I? I was worried that I couldn't contact you. I was waiting for you."

His felt his throat tighten and his eyes mist. He, who had never hoped that love would ever come to him had fallen hard for her. He knew that his love may never be reciprocated but he didn't care. He loved her and he would keep on loving her as long as he had breath for he knew where his heart lay. He looked into her eyes and gave a soft smile.

"Don't worry.... I am home now."

And he truly was.

***